Cardiff have fared slightly better in that department but the 49 that they have conceded is more than any other team besides Fulham. But it is in front of goal where the top-flight newcomers have really found the going tough.

A return of just 19 goals from 28 games makes the Bluebirds' attack the least potent in the league and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men have found the net just once in their last five games in all competitions.

The Norwegian's appointment has done little to revive the Welsh club's on-field fortunes - Cardiff were 16th when Malky Mackay was sacked, one point above the relegation zone and four off the bottom; they are now 19th, three points from safety and one off the bottom.

A third league defeat in a row would send City to the foot of the table, a position that has been occupied by Fulham since February 1.

Magath was highly critical of his team's defending in the 3-1 loss to Chelsea last Saturday, when an Andre Schurrle hat-trick scuppered the hosts' hopes of an upset at Craven Cottage.

The German knows that the challenge he faces is a sizeable one but believes that victory over Cardiff, who won the reverse fixture 2-1, could prove crucial.

"The first step is to beat Cardiff and go up a place in the table," he told the press. "That will give us confidence."

Magath confirmed that striker Kostas Mitroglou is set to be assessed by the club doctor after playing an hour for Greece on Wednesday despite carrying a hamstring injury.

Solskjaer welcomed Gary Medel back for last Sunday's 1-0 loss at Tottenham, while Jordon Mutch came off the bench in that game and will be vying for a start this time around.